Success is a slippery concept, often tied to money and power. But, what if I told you the markers of success might be hiding in your everyday life?
We sometimes overlook our accomplishments, thinking they are too small or trivial. But, believe me, each achievement, no matter how tiny, is an indication you’re on the path of success.
In this article, I will share 10 things you might have accomplished in life that show you’re more successful than you think.
Let’s get started.
1) You’ve learned to be content
Success is often tied to the pursuit of more – more money, more fame, more possessions. But, one of the most profound indicators of true success is contentment.
Those who’ve learned to find satisfaction in what they have, rather than constantly chasing after what they don’t, are genuinely successful. It’s not about complacency, but about appreciating what you have and where you are in life.
Contentment speaks of a quiet confidence and self-assuredness that many strive for but few attain. It’s a sign of emotional maturity and a balanced perspective on life.
If you’ve mastered the art of being content, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re more successful than you think!
2) You’ve faced your fears
Let me tell you something about myself. I used to be terrified of public speaking. The mere thought of standing on a stage, all eyes on me, would make my palms sweaty and my heart race.
But one day, I decided to face this fear head-on. I joined a local Toastmasters club, started practicing, and slowly but surely overcame my fear. The first time I delivered a speech without my voice trembling, I felt an overwhelming sense of achievement.
Facing your fears is a huge indicator of success. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself. It’s not easy, but it’s always worth it.
If you’ve managed to confront and overcome your fears, whether it’s public speaking like me, or something else entirely, then you’re doing better than you think!
3) You have a healthy work-life balance
In Japan, there’s a term called “Karoshi” which literally translates to “death by overwork”. It’s a grim reminder of what can happen when we push ourselves too hard in the pursuit of career success, neglecting other aspects of our lives.
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is testament to your success. It means you’re able to fulfill your professional responsibilities without sacrificing your personal life. It’s about setting boundaries, managing your time effectively, and prioritizing self-care.
If you’ve managed to strike this delicate balance, it’s a clear sign that you’re successful in a way that truly counts.
4) You’ve maintained long-term relationships
Success isn’t just measured by your achievements, but also by your relationships. Having long-term friendships or maintaining a healthy relationship with a partner for a significant amount of time shows your ability to commit, compromise, and care for others.
These relationships are often built on mutual respect, understanding, and love. They indicate that you’re able to navigate the complexities of human emotions, which is a success in itself.
If you have cherished relationships that have stood the test of time, know that you’re successful in one of the most important aspects of life.
5) You’ve learned to say no
Saying ‘yes’ to every opportunity, request, or demand that comes your way can leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed. But learning to say ‘no’ when it’s needed is a sign of boundary setting and self-respect.
It’s not about being selfish or unhelpful, but understanding your limits and preserving your energy for what truly matters. This skill allows you to focus on your goals without getting sidetracked by unnecessary distractions.
If you’ve mastered the art of saying ‘no’ when it’s in your best interest, then you’ve achieved a level of success that many find hard to attain.
6) You’ve made a difference in someone’s life
There’s a certain kind of success that can’t be measured by bank balances or job titles. It’s the kind of success that comes from making a positive impact on someone else’s life.
Maybe you’ve mentored a young person in your field, volunteered in your community, or simply been there for a friend in need. These acts of kindness may seem small, but they can mean the world to the person on the receiving end.
If you’ve ever made a difference in someone’s life, no matter how small it may seem to you, know that you’ve achieved something truly meaningful. This kind of success is the kind that really matters and it’s something to be truly proud of.
7) You’ve learned from your mistakes
I remember a time when I was so afraid of making mistakes. I would beat myself up over every little error, thinking that it was a reflection of my worth.
But over time, I’ve realized that making mistakes is a crucial part of growing and learning. Each mistake is an opportunity to learn something new, to improve, and to become a better version of myself.
If you’ve made mistakes – and more importantly, if you’ve learned from them – then you’re more successful than you think. Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about growing and improving with every step you take.
8) You’ve embraced failure
Success and failure are often seen as opposites, but in reality, they’re two sides of the same coin. In fact, some of the most successful people in the world have experienced colossal failures.
Embracing failure means understanding its value as a stepping stone on the path to success. It’s about recognizing that each failure brings you one step closer to your goal, offering invaluable lessons along the way.
If you’ve faced failures and embraced them as part of your journey rather than viewing them as roadblocks, then you’re a lot more successful than you think.
9) You’ve set and achieved personal goals
Success isn’t just about achieving what society deems important; it’s also about setting and achieving personal goals. This could be anything from running a marathon, learning a new language, or even finishing that book that’s been sitting on your shelf for months.
These personal goals are markers of your determination, dedication, and capacity to follow through. They show that you’re capable of setting your sights on something and making it happen.
So if you’ve set personal goals and achieved them, you’re definitely more successful than you might think. Remember, it’s not about the size of the goal, but the effort it takes to achieve it.
10) You’re happy with who you are
At the end of the day, the most significant marker of success is happiness with who you are. It’s about self-acceptance, self-love, and being at peace with yourself.
Success isn’t defined by material wealth or societal recognition. Real success is about being able to look in the mirror and genuinely like the person you see.
If you’re happy with who you are, then congratulations, you’ve achieved the highest form of success.
